VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Tyler TX

Veterans Health Administration•Tyler, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within the VCS Optical Shop at the Tyler, Texas VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver a positive experience for Veterans. The role includes assisting customers with eyewear selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines; performing fittings and optical measurements; documenting patient information in CPRS; processing orders and payments; and coordinating with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues. It also supports inventory control and maintains clean, organized eyewear displays. A one-year trial period is required. Continued employment after the trial period requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Additional conditions include Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959, a background/security investigation, and a current, valid REAL ID. A high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience working as an optician are required. The job posting notes that federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with specific eligibility and benefits depending on the position.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working as an optician.
Ability to work independently, manage responsibilities efficiently, and maintain high standards of patient service.
Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action.
Skill in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection.
Proficiency with optical equipment and tools, including adjustment and bench tools; lensometer and lens clock; frame heater; PD ruler and pupilometer; penlight and interpupillary measuring devices; frame and lens cleaning products; thickness caliper; vertex densometer; tolerance charts; and visual acuity charts.
A current, valid REAL ID.
High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Serve a one-year trial period; continued employment after the period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Subject to a background/security investigation.

Responsibilities

Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
Maintain a professional and welcoming environment and help patients make informed eyewear decisions.
Fit eyewear and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment and tools.
Document patient information and measurements in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems.
Recommend appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach.
Coordinate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear issues.
Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing eyewear displays.
Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.